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{{Infobox legislature
{{Infobox legislature
|name              = Comhthionól Náisiúnta
|name              = Comhthionól Náisiúnta
|legislature        = [[Comhthionól Náisiúnta|33rd Comhthionól]]
|legislature        =  
|coa_pic            = Comhthionól Logo.png
|coa_pic            = Seanad Logo.png
|coa_res            = 150px
|coa_res            = 150px
|session_room      = Plenisalen.jpg
|session_room      = Plenisalen.jpg
|house_type        = Lower House
| session_res        = 150px
|body              = Tionól
|house_type        = {{wp|Lower house}}
|leader1_type      = [[Comhthionól Náisiúnta#Ceann Comhairle|Ceann Comhairle]]
|body              =
|leader1            = [[Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh]]
|leader1_type      =  
|party1            = ([[Social Democratic Party (Caldia)|PSD]])
|leader1            =  
|members            = 399
|party1            =  
|structure1        = Comhthionól Composition.png
|members            =  
|structure1_res    = 250px
|structure1        =  
| political_groups1 = '''Government (218)'''
|structure1_res    =  
* {{colorbox|#EE2020}} [[Social Democratic Party (Caldia)|Social Democrats]] (218)
|term_length        =  
'''Opposition (181)'''
|established    = 1857
* {{colorbox|Purple}} [[Liberty Party (Caldia)|Liberty]] (89)
|disbanded     = 2021
* {{colorbox|#000080}} [[National Party (Caldia)|National Party]] (57)
|voting_system1    =
* {{colorbox|#009644}} [[Centre Party (Caldia)|Centre]] (12)
* {{colorbox|#800000}} [[Labour Party (Caldia)|Labour]] (8)
* {{colorbox|#7cbf33}} [[The Greens (Caldia)|Greens]] (6)
* {{colorbox|#ffff33}} [[Caldish Democrats]] (5)
* {{colorbox|Grey}} {{wp|Independent politician|Independents}} (2)
* {{color box|#FFBF00}} [[Homeland (Caithia)|Homeland]] (1)
* {{colorbox|#000000}} [[Pensioners' Party|Pensioners]] (1)
|term_length        = 5 years
|last_election1    = [[2019 Caldish general election|18 February 2019]]
|next_election1     = [[2022 Caldish general election|12 June 2022]]
|voting_system1    = {{wp|single transferable vote}}
|redistricting      =  
|redistricting      =  
|meeting_place      = Comhthionól Chamber<br />[[Carrowdun Palace]], [[Spálgleann]]
|meeting_place      = Comhthionól Chamber<br />[[Carrowdun Palace]], [[Spálgleann]]
|website            = tionól.gl/comhthionól }}
|website            =  
}}


'''Comhthionól Náisiúnta''' (''National Assembly'') is the lower house, and principal chamber, of the [[Tionól]], which also includes the [[Seanad Glítteann]] (the upper house). It is directly elected at least once every five years under the system of {{wp|proportional representation}} by means of the {{wp|single transferable vote}} (STV). Its powers are similar to those of lower houses under many other bicameral parliamentary systems and it is by far the dominant branch of the Tionól. Subject to the limits imposed by the Constitution of Caldia, it has power to pass any law it wishes, and to nominate and remove the [[Taoiseach of Caldia |Taoiseach]] (head of government). Since it's establishment in 1857, it has met in [[Carrowdun Palace]] in [[Spálgleann]].
The '''Comhthionól Náisiúnta''' (literally "National Assembly") was the {{wp|lower house}} of the {{wp|Bicameralism|bicameral}} [[Tionól (Bicameral)|Tionól]] of [[Caldia]] from 1857 until 2021. It was also the principal chamber. During the bicameral period, the {{wp|upper house}} was the [[Seanad Glaíteann]] (literally "{{wp|Senate}} of Caldia").


==Title==
The chamber's powers were similar to those of lower houses under many other bicameral parliamentary systems. It became the dominant chamber of the Tionól starting in 1965. It had the power to pass any law it wishes. It was also responsible for nominating nominate and removing the [[Taoiseach of Caldia|taoiseach]], who had to belong to the chamber.
In {{wp|Irish language|Ghaillish}} the name Comhthionól Náisiúnta literally translates to ''National Assembly''. It is frequently referred to as simply the Comhthionól. A member of the chamber is known as a Teachta Comhthionól (TC), or a ''Deputy of the Assembly''.


==Composition==
It had 399 members who were directly elected every five years. 200 of its members were elected from multi-member constituencies and the remaining 199 members were elected using a party list proportional method.  
Comhthionól Náisiúnta has 399 members; the number has occasionally been changed within the limits of the Constitution of Caldia, which sets a minimum ratio of one member per 20,000 of the population, and a maximum of one per 30,000. Under current legislation, members are directly elected at least once in every five years by the electorate of Caldia under a system of proportional representation known as the single transferable vote; the constitutional maximum for a Dáil term is seven years. Membership of the Comhthionól is open to Caldish citizens who are 18 or older. A member of the Comhthionól is known as a Teachta Comhthionól (TC).


The Comhthionól electorate consists of Caldish citizens over 18 years of age who are registered to vote in Caldia. Under the Constitution of Caldia a general election for Comhthionól Náisiúnta must occur once in every seven years, but a five-year limit is currently specified by statute. The Taoiseach (head of government) can, by making a request to the Monarch, effectively dissolve the Comhthionól at any time, in which case a general election must occur within thirty days. The Monarch may refuse to dissolve the Comhthionól, and ask the Comhthionól to form an alternative government without a general election taking place.
The chamber effectively became the {{wp|unicameralism|unicameral}} [[Tionól]] starting on 12 May 2021.


The STV electoral system broadly produces proportional representation in the Comhthionól. The small size of many og the constituencies, however, usually gives a small advantage to the larger parties and under-represents smaller parties. Since the 1990s the norm has been coalition governments. Prior to 1989, however, one-party governments by the major parties were common. The multi-seat constituencies required by STV mean that candidates must often compete for election with others from the same party. This increases voter choice but is accused by some of producing TCs who are excessively parochial.
==Origins and history==
The Comhthionól was established by the Instrument for Governance Act of 1857, the first major amendment to the 1814 constitution. The legislation came from a movement known as the [[Silent Revolution]], which sought to reform Caldish politics and liberalize society. The need for reforms was identified by [[Dónall Ó Conaill]] and his liberal allies, who worried about a popular uprising following similar revolts in Euclea.


Currently every constituency elects between three and seven TCs. The constitution specifies that no constituency may return fewer than three TCs but does not specify any upper limit to constituency magnitude. The constitution requires that constituency boundaries be reviewed at least once in every twelve years, so that boundaries may be redrawn to accommodate changes in population. Boundary changes are currently drafted by an independent commission, and its recommendations are usually followed. {{wp|Malapportionment}} is forbidden by the constitution. Under the Constitution, the commission is required to refer to the most recent Census of Caldia when considering boundary changes.
The chamber was composed of 400 elected members, who were known as Teachti Comhthionól (TCs). TCs were to be elected from constituencies across the nation under a {{wp|First-past-the-post voting|first-past-the-post system}}. Two TCs were chosen for each electoral district, with the two candidates receiving the most votes by plurality winning the seat. From its creation in 1857 until 1965, it had the same powers as the [[Seanad Glaíteann]]. The chamber had less control over legislation due to the status of the Comhthionól, but did have say over the budget. If the two chambers were in disagreement, issues had to be re-addressed through the submission of a new joint proposal. These proposals were facilitated by standing committees consisting of members from both chambers


===Layout===
In 1965, the number of TCs was reduced from 400 to 399 in order to end the practice of drawing {{wp|sortition|lot}}s when a vote in the chamber ended in a deadlock. The Comhthionól also became the principal chamber as the powers of the Seanad were significantly reduced through the Instrument for Governance of 1965.
The Comhthionól chamber has confrontational benches but the end segment is curved to create a partial hemicycle. If the left wing in power, the government is seated to the immediate left of the Ceann Comhairle's. If the right wing is in power, the government is seated to his or her immediate right. The largest opposition party, which forms HM's Most Loyal Opposition, is traditionally seated directly across from the government. This means that parties in government and opposition are not seated by their ideology on the same spectrum that the rest of the parties are. However, their ideology determines which side of the Ceann Comhairle they are seated on.


Parties that are not in government or formal opposition are seated based on their official ideology from left wing to right wing in between the government and opposition.
Under the Instrument for Governance of 2021, the chamber was technically abolished but functionally became the {{wp|unicameral}} Tionól. The chamber's rules, procedures, members, and officers carried over.


==Dissolution==
==Composition==
 
The Comhthionól Náisiúnta had 399 members.The number has occasionally been changed. The chamber originally had 400 members but that number was reduced to 399 in 1965 to end the practice of the "lottery Comhthionól". A member of the Comhthionól was known as a Teachta Comhthionól (TC) or a or a ''Deputy of the Assembly''. At the time of its abolition, membership of the Comhthionól was open to Caldish citizens who are 18 or older. Originally, this membership was open to those 25 years or older.  
The Instrument for Governance of 1857 mandates that an {{wp|general election|election}} for the membership of the Comhthionól Náisiúnta must take place every five years on the twelfth of June. The Instrument specifics that the the Taoiseach must submit a {{wp|Dropping the writ|writ of dissolution}} to the Monarch on the twelfth of May, one month to the day before the election takes place. The newly elected Comhthionól Náisiúnta must convene no later than 30 days after the polling day for the election. These elections are regularly held every five years and are not changed by the date of {{wp|snap election|snap elections}}.
 
Taoiseachs have the authority to submit a writ of dissolution to the Monarch at any point, which the Monarch in turn customarily accepts. The procedure and timetable for the dissolution of the Comhthionól Náisiúnta, pursuant to a snap election, and the date for the reassembly of the newly elected Comhthionól rests with the Taoiseach of the day. The Instrument For Governance of 1857 leaves the timing to the Taoiseach's discretion. A snap election can be forced should a {{wp|Motion of no confidence|motion of no-confidence}} in the sitting [[Government of Caldia|Government]] be passed by the Comhthionól Náisiúnta. This in effect impeaches the sitting Government, forcing a snap election. The incumbent Taoiseach and the [[Cabinet of Caldia|Cabinet]] form a caretaker government until the newly elected Comhthionól Náisiúnta convenes. However, the timing of the snap election is still set at the disrection of the Taoiseach. A motion of no-confidence in the Government is typically passed after a governing coalition collapses, with TCs belonging to the withdrawing party voting to support a motion submitted by the opposition.
 
==Ceann Comhairle==
The chairman, or presiding member, of Comhthionól Náisiúnta is the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle is chosen from among TCs but is expected to observe strict impartiality. Despite this, the government will usually try to select one of its own for the position, if its numbers allow. To protect the neutrality of the chair, an incumbent Ceann Comhairle does not seek re-election as a TC but rather is deemed automatically to have been re-elected by their constituency at a general election, unless they are retiring. The Ceann Comhairle does not vote except in the event of a tie. The current serving Ceann Comhairle is SDs TC [[Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh]].
 
{| class="wikitable"
! width="30%" colspan=2 | Name
! width="40%" | Period
! width="30%" | Comhthionól
|-  align=center
|style="background:Purple;"|
| [[Nicolás Cummins]] ([[Liberty Party (Caldia)|Liberty]])
| 12 June 2012 - 27 February 2019
| 31st, 32nd
|-  align=center
|style="background:Red;"|
| [[Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh]] ([[Social Democratic Party (Caldia)|SDs]])
| 27 February 2019 - present
| 33rd
|}
 
==Powers==
 
==Activities==
 
===Standing committees===
 
===Select committees===


===Taoiseach's Questions===
Members were directly elected at least once every five years by the electorate of Caldia under a {{wp|mixed-member proportional representation}} system. Its 399 seats were divided into 200 multi-member constituencies and 199 seats that were allocated based on a party's vote share using an {{wp|open list}}. Parties needed to pass a threshold of 2.5% to qualify to win list seats. There were XX multi-member constituencies. Each consistency had between three and five members. Members were elected using a version of {{wp|single-transferable vote}} known as the Ní Dochartaigh method. Under this process, voters rank candidates by first and second preference. Unlike other methods of single transferable vote, they can only rank candidates in this order and cannot transfer their vote to more than one additional candidate.


ceisteanna taoiseach ar (CTAs)
As of 2021, Comhthionól electorate consisted of Caldish citizens, EC citizens living in Caldia, and residents over 18 years of age who are registered to vote in Caldia. Under the Constitution of Caldia a general election for Comhthionól Náisiúnta must occur once in every five years. The taoiseach was able to make a request to the monarch to effectively dissolve the Comhthionól at any time, meaning a general election had to occur within sixty days. The Monarch had the constitutional authority to refuse to dissolve the Comhthionól, and ask the Comhthionól to form an alternative government without a general election taking place. The Comhthionól could also pass a motion of no-confidence in the government, triggering a snap election within sixty days.


==Voting procedures==
==Leadership==
The chairman, or presiding member, of Comhthionól Náisiúnta is the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle is chosen from among TCs but is expected to observe strict impartiality. Despite this, the government will usually try to select one of its own for the position, if its numbers allow. To protect the neutrality of the chair, an incumbent Ceann Comhairle does not seek re-election as a TC but rather is deemed automatically to have been re-elected by their constituency at a general election, unless they are retiring. The Ceann Comhairle does not vote except in the event of a tie. The last Ceann Comhairle was [[Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh]], who held the office from 2019 until 2021.


==Current composition==
{| class="wikitable"
!&nbsp;
!'''Party'''
!'''Position'''
!'''Parliamentary leader'''
!'''Seats'''
!'''Status'''
|-
|style="background:purple"|
||[[Liberty Party (Glytter)|Liberty Party]]||Centre-right||[[Nora MacQueen]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|156|399|hex=purple}}</center>
| style="background:#98FB98; color:black"|<center>In government</center>
|-
|style="background:#EE2020"|
|[[Social Democratic Party (Glytter)|Social Democrats]]||Centre-left||[[Stiofán Mac Suibhne]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|117|399|hex=#EE2020}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>Official opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#009644"|
|[[Centre Party (Glytter)|Centre Party]]||Centre||[[Cúan Ó Domhnaill]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|33|399|hex=#009644}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#800000"|
|[[Labour Party (Glytter)|Labour Party]]||Far-left||[[Ivan Melnikov]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|28|399|hex=#800000}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|-
|style="background:#000080"|
|[[National Party (Glytter)|National Party]]||Right-wing||[[Liam Ó Cuillinn]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|23|399|hex=#000080}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#ffff33"|
|[[Glytter Democrats (Glytter)|Glytter Democrats]]||Centre-right||[[Máire Ní Briain]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|16|399|hex=#ffff33}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#7cbf33"|
|[[Green Party (Glytter)|The Greens]]||Left-wing||[[Colm Ó Corráin]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|11|399|hex=#7cbf33}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#FFBF00"|
|[[Free Market Party (Glytter)|Free Market Party]]||Far-right||[[Aonghas Mac Maol Dáire]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|7|399|hex=#FFBF00}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:#BF80FF"|
|[[Glytteronian Independence Party (Glytter)|Glytteronian Independence Party]]||{{wp|Big tent}}||[[Malachy McBride]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|6|399|hex=#BF80FF}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|style="background:black"|
|[[Pensioners' Party (Glytter)|Pensioners' Party]]||Centre-left||[[Ellie Níc Raghnaill]]||<center>{{Infobox political party/seats|1|399|hex=black}}</center>
| style="background:#ff9090; color:black"|<center>In opposition</center>
|-
|}
[[Category:Tionól]]
[[Category:Tionól]]

Revision as of 12:39, 16 June 2021

Comhthionól Náisiúnta
Coat of arms or logo
Type
Type
History
Established1857
Disbanded2021
Meeting place
Plenisalen.jpg
Comhthionól Chamber
Carrowdun Palace, Spálgleann

The Comhthionól Náisiúnta (literally "National Assembly") was the lower house of the bicameral Tionól of Caldia from 1857 until 2021. It was also the principal chamber. During the bicameral period, the upper house was the Seanad Glaíteann (literally "Senate of Caldia").

The chamber's powers were similar to those of lower houses under many other bicameral parliamentary systems. It became the dominant chamber of the Tionól starting in 1965. It had the power to pass any law it wishes. It was also responsible for nominating nominate and removing the taoiseach, who had to belong to the chamber.

It had 399 members who were directly elected every five years. 200 of its members were elected from multi-member constituencies and the remaining 199 members were elected using a party list proportional method.

The chamber effectively became the unicameral Tionól starting on 12 May 2021.

Origins and history

The Comhthionól was established by the Instrument for Governance Act of 1857, the first major amendment to the 1814 constitution. The legislation came from a movement known as the Silent Revolution, which sought to reform Caldish politics and liberalize society. The need for reforms was identified by Dónall Ó Conaill and his liberal allies, who worried about a popular uprising following similar revolts in Euclea.

The chamber was composed of 400 elected members, who were known as Teachti Comhthionól (TCs). TCs were to be elected from constituencies across the nation under a first-past-the-post system. Two TCs were chosen for each electoral district, with the two candidates receiving the most votes by plurality winning the seat. From its creation in 1857 until 1965, it had the same powers as the Seanad Glaíteann. The chamber had less control over legislation due to the status of the Comhthionól, but did have say over the budget. If the two chambers were in disagreement, issues had to be re-addressed through the submission of a new joint proposal. These proposals were facilitated by standing committees consisting of members from both chambers

In 1965, the number of TCs was reduced from 400 to 399 in order to end the practice of drawing lots when a vote in the chamber ended in a deadlock. The Comhthionól also became the principal chamber as the powers of the Seanad were significantly reduced through the Instrument for Governance of 1965.

Under the Instrument for Governance of 2021, the chamber was technically abolished but functionally became the unicameral Tionól. The chamber's rules, procedures, members, and officers carried over.

Composition

The Comhthionól Náisiúnta had 399 members.The number has occasionally been changed. The chamber originally had 400 members but that number was reduced to 399 in 1965 to end the practice of the "lottery Comhthionól". A member of the Comhthionól was known as a Teachta Comhthionól (TC) or a or a Deputy of the Assembly. At the time of its abolition, membership of the Comhthionól was open to Caldish citizens who are 18 or older. Originally, this membership was open to those 25 years or older.

Members were directly elected at least once every five years by the electorate of Caldia under a mixed-member proportional representation system. Its 399 seats were divided into 200 multi-member constituencies and 199 seats that were allocated based on a party's vote share using an open list. Parties needed to pass a threshold of 2.5% to qualify to win list seats. There were XX multi-member constituencies. Each consistency had between three and five members. Members were elected using a version of single-transferable vote known as the Ní Dochartaigh method. Under this process, voters rank candidates by first and second preference. Unlike other methods of single transferable vote, they can only rank candidates in this order and cannot transfer their vote to more than one additional candidate.

As of 2021, Comhthionól electorate consisted of Caldish citizens, EC citizens living in Caldia, and residents over 18 years of age who are registered to vote in Caldia. Under the Constitution of Caldia a general election for Comhthionól Náisiúnta must occur once in every five years. The taoiseach was able to make a request to the monarch to effectively dissolve the Comhthionól at any time, meaning a general election had to occur within sixty days. The Monarch had the constitutional authority to refuse to dissolve the Comhthionól, and ask the Comhthionól to form an alternative government without a general election taking place. The Comhthionól could also pass a motion of no-confidence in the government, triggering a snap election within sixty days.

Leadership

The chairman, or presiding member, of Comhthionól Náisiúnta is the Ceann Comhairle. The Ceann Comhairle is chosen from among TCs but is expected to observe strict impartiality. Despite this, the government will usually try to select one of its own for the position, if its numbers allow. To protect the neutrality of the chair, an incumbent Ceann Comhairle does not seek re-election as a TC but rather is deemed automatically to have been re-elected by their constituency at a general election, unless they are retiring. The Ceann Comhairle does not vote except in the event of a tie. The last Ceann Comhairle was Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh, who held the office from 2019 until 2021.